Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

General

What training opportunities does AHS provide?

At AHS we not only provide equipment for hire but support our customers through both virtual and on-site training schemes. Whether it is our pressure testing virtual onboarding or on-site robotic cutting training you need, we’ll be able to find a training solution for you and your team.

In the event that you encounter a problem with your equipment on hire, please contact our customer service team. Together with our specialist technicians they will help you to resolve the issue and/or exchange the equipment.

We provide a UK-wide delivery service for all our equipment.  Next-day deliveries are subject to carrier availability; orders must be received by 3.30pm. For Northern Ireland and other non-UK mainland deliveries please contact us for more information.  

Yes. Equipment can be collected from our head office in Leeds during opening hours. (7:30 – 16:30). Find us here.

To open an account, please call us or email customer.service@anthire.com. After an initial credit check, we will then provide you with the required forms. Once your account is set up, you will receive an email to confirm your account is open along with your account number and credit limit.

No. We also offer payment via debit or credit. A refundable deposit may also be required.

All our hire prices are based on 5-day weekly hire rates. Hire suspensions may be granted in some circumstances. Please contact customer service for more information.

Pressure Testing

Will AHS carry out the pressure test on-site for me?

No. At AHS we provide all the necessary equipment and training needed for our customers to conduct the test themselves. Our PT analysts will however support you through each stage of the process remotely and analyse the performance of the test in real-time. If you are looking for someone to come to site, we highly recommend you use an AHS-approved contractor. Please contact us for more information.  

AHS currently offers 4 types of hydrostatic pressure test; Type 1, Type 2, 10-minute and Service Connections. You can read about the different test types here. If you’re still unsure what test is right for your project, please contact our customer service team.

Please contact our customer service team who will provide you with a list of technical questions. Your responses will help us determine what equipment you require for the best outcome. Don’t worry if you’ve never tested before, we’ll help guide you through each of the questions if necessary.

All AHS customers receive access to PIPE, our online customer dashboard. This cloud-based service allows our clients to view and download test data and certificates. Alternatively, you can request your certificate to be sent via email.

Vertform

Can Vertform only be used in concrete pipes?

No. Providing that the ID of the pipe is compatible with the Vertform sizes then the material that the pipe is manufactured from is not an issue.

No. Use normal concrete unless otherwise specified (in normal conditions 50 slump with 20mm aggregate). No granolithic benching is required. For smaller Vertform sizes (up to 600mm) a 1½”poker should be sufficient, for larger sets a 2” poker is recommended.

No. All the required spanners are included in the Vertform set. The only hand tools required are a steel tape, a level, a hand saw and a hammer for fixing the infill panels.

Yes. For larger diameter chamber ring sizes some additional straight sections will be required – these should be requested when placing an order. For smaller diameter chamber rings care must be taken where a significant direction change is required (i.e. for angles above 70°). It may be necessary to use the stop end method.

Vertform can be used to add toe holds to the manhole or alternatively create a recess to allow for the addition of double step irons. Vertform can also be used to create landing areas for shallow manholes.

Lampe

Can Lampe Isolation Devices be used in pipes that aren’t circular?

Yes – the Lampe Isolation Device seals all pipe profiles and materials – circular, square, elliptical, rectangular and ovoid.

No. Unlike traditional pipe stoppers, Lampe Isolation Devices do not require additional bracing in pipelines over 1m in diameter. They provide a much safer option for working in large diameter pipelines.

Yes, all debris must be removed from the pipe before the stopper is inserted. Any marine life that may be attached to the pipe walls where the pipe is an outfall into a river or the sea also needs to be cleared. If fats, oils and grease are present, the static friction will be reduced, which may result in additional restraints being required.

Yes. Lampe Isolation Devices are relatively light in weight and can be folded tightly, to pass through a standard 600mm x 600mm manhole.

You will need an inflation control unit with a pressure gauge and an inflation hose, which are provided with every hire. The inflation controller has a pre-set release valve that prevents over-inflation, so must be used every time to prevent damage to the device. The Lampe Safety Application Monitor (SAM) is also recommended on all installations to remotely monitor both the inflation pressure and the back pressure.